Son Heung-Min

With his hat-trick against Orlando City, LAFC star Denis Bouanga claimed the fifth MLS Player of the Matchday award in his career, but remains far from legends Lionel Messi and Hani Mukhtar. Denis Bouanga was one of the standout performers of Matchday 6 in the 2026 MLS season, scoring a hat trick in LAFC‘s dominant 6-0 win over Orlando City. The Gabonese striker claimed his fifth career MLS Player of the Matchday award in the process, though he still has plenty of ground to make up on Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar. In Saturday’s rout of Orlando, Son Heung-min turned heads by registering four assists in the first half alone, matching one of Messi’s records in the process, though three of those passes set up Bouanga, who made no mistake in front of goal. MLS opted to award the goalscorer over the South Korean as the match’s standout player. It marked Bouanga’s first Player of the Matchday honor of the 2026 season and the fifth of his MLS career since joining LAFC in 2022. That total places him among the top three active players in the category, trailing only Mukhtar and Messi. Keeping pace with that duo, however, will be no easy feat. Mukhtar sits second on the all-time active list with eight Player of the Matchday awards since arriving at Nashville SC in 2020. Denis Bouanga #99 of Los Angeles Football Club shoots and scores against LD Alajuelense. Topping that list is an even steeper climb. Messi leads all active players with 13 MLS Matchday awards, eight more than Bouanga, having become the first player to claim six across back-to-back seasons in 2024 and 2025. He has already added another in 2026, taking home the Matchday 2 honor, also against Orlando City, a strong sign that his form shows no signs of fading. Bouanga chasing hat-trick record Unlike Messi and Mukhtar, who operate more as playmakers, Bouanga has built his MLS reputation on his goal-scoring ability. Saturday’s hat trick pushed his regular-season contributions to 99, with 69 goals and 30 assists in 107 games. Netting all three goals within the first 28 minutes also made it the fourth-fastest hat trick from the opening whistle in MLS history. One milestone he is firmly chasing is the all-time MLS regular-season hat-trick record. His tally now stands at five, leaving him within striking distance of Josef Martinez’s mark of seven. By contrast, Messi has scored just two MLS hat tricks, both with Inter Miami, with the most recent coming in October 2025 against Nashville.

The LAFC star managed to catch up to the Inter Miami captain in a record that only Messi had held, highlighting the playing styles of both players. Leer

Rog is LIVE from San Francisco's August Hall as part of the MiB Countdown Tour...and this time he's speaking with Green Day frontman and Bay Area legend Billie Joe Armstrong about how he fell in love with Millwall and the similarities between football crowds and sold out rock concerts. Plus, Rog is joined by former NFL quarterback and current General Manager of the Stanford Cardinal football team Andrew Luck to discuss his USMNT superfandom and his experience travelling to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Rog also speaks to NFL analyst Mina Kimes to breakdown her mother's Son Heung-Min obsession, and President of 49ers Enterprises Paraag Marathe to explain how and why the 49ers ownership group invested in Leeds United. Presented by Bank of America, the Official Bank of U.S. Soccer and the FIFA World Cup 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat and interviews and we're joined by special guest co-host Global TV and CKNW's Asa Rehman.The countdown to the big Whitecaps-LAFC MLS Western Conference semi-final continues. We look ahead to the match with Asa and hear the thoughts of LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo ahead of the game, and he's already trying to put pressure on the referee! We also chat with Whitecaps Sebastian Berhalter and Emmanuel Sabbi about the match, and former Whitecap and Korean national team legend Lee Young-Pyo drops by to talk about his time in Vancouver, the game with LAFC, the threat and impact of Son Heung-min in the league, and how MLS is seen in South Korea.We also talk some more on the big changes coming to the MLS schedule and we bring you the full press conference from MLS Commissioner Don Garber about the changes to the schedule and the Apple TV deal.Music-wise, Camper van Beethoven continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop songs from Autopop, and on a momentous week for the Scottish national team, a song to match it in Wavelength.Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:01.17: Intro05.33: Whitecaps vs LAFC preview with Asa Rehman39.25: Sebastian Berhalter interview and discussion45.22: Emmanuel Sabbi interview and discussion49.57: LAFC's Steve Cherundolo talks Whitecaps vs LAFC60.50: YP Lee talks Whitecaps, MLS, and the threat of Son74.10: MLS schedule change chat with Asa Rehman88.45: Don Garber's media call on MLS schedule change114.55: Wavelength - Randolph's Leap - They Never Saw Us Coming

Another week, another twist in the USMNT’s World Cup buildup! Mauricio Pochettino has called up Timothy Tillman to replace Tyler Adams and Sean Zawadzki, raising fresh questions about the midfield. Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola break down who stands to benefit most from the roster shake-up and what fans should look for in the friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay (05:34). Elsewhere, Patrick Agyemang isn’t in camp, but has the Derby striker added another, useful string to his bow (25:10)? Are Inter Miami actually better without Luis Suárez (34:34)? And why on earth would anyone trash-talk Lionel Messi (37:45)?! The guys also debate where Son Heung-min ranks among MLS’s most impactful summer arrivals (43:05) and unpack all the drama from the USL Championship and League One playoffs (49:17). Plus, some love for one of the pod's tireless producers, Ives Galarcep, who was recently honored with a lifetime achievement award (56:45)! Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back for a new episode of State of the Union. Alexi gives his thoughts on the USMNT’s November roster and the news that Tyler Adams has joined the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, no longer on the roster. Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest both made appearances for their clubs this weekend but there is still no sign of the injured Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, leading Mauricio Pochettino to admit he is “worried” about the fullback. In the States, the conference semifinals are set in the MLS Cup Playoffs where the likes of Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min are still alive and fighting for a title. In #AskAlexi, we argue against the idea that MLS isn’t good for player development and in his One for the Road, Alexi applauds El Tri youngster, Gilberto Mora, for his confidence in Mexico’s chances to win next summer’s World Cup. Intro (0:00)Tyler Adams OUT of USMNT Roster (06:27)Balogun & Agyemang bag goals (23:17)MLS Cup Playoffs: Messi is on FIRE (30:03)#AskAlexi: Back 5 victims for U.S (40:34)One for the Road: Mexico WC Favorites (50:24) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down LAFC’s hot run of form since acquiring Son Heung-Min, and what it could mean for the club as we head into the playoffs. Next, they recap USMNT activity across Europe, including which striker abroad is staking his claim to be the national team’s #9. Later, they react to some of the biggest news in world soccer, including Harry Kane’s possible return to Tottenham, Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or win, and more.

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse react to the USMNT’s loss to Son Heung-Min and Korea Republic in New Jersey. In their first of two friendlies this window, the U.S. struggled to finish their chances and paid the price against Korea’s sharp attack.The crew breaks down the key storylines: which individual performances stood out (for better or worse), what tactical adjustments Mauricio Pochettino tried, and what this result means for the USMNT moving forward. Is Mauricio Pochettino on the hot seat? Intro (0:00)USMNT Fall to Korea Republic (1:50)USMNT Starting XI (4:20)Backline: Richards, Ream, Blackmon (7:30)Balogun vs. Sargent (16:54)USMNT Upcoming Schedule (18:16)Is Mauricio Pochettino on the Hot Seat? (20:15)USMNT Depth (29:18)“What the Hell is Going On!?” (34:19)Disadvantage of Being a World Cup Host Nation (37:30)Pochettino Post-Match Quotes (40:15)Matt Turner vs. Matt Freese (48:43)Jealous of College Football Fan Base (59:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Leagues Cup chat and interviews.The Whitecaps may have three weeks off, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to talk about! We delve into the 'Caps news of the week including the transfer speculation around Ali Ahmed, the injury to Brian White, and the striking issues and needs for the team right now. Turning our attention to MLS in general, we look at the lie of the land in the MLS West, the Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min effect on the league since their signings, and we delve into the Miami melee down in Seattle.We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is the Whitecaps new German centre-back Sebastian Schonlau. We chat with Basti about the move to Vancouver and MLS, the emotions and memories in leaving Hamburger SV, his own footballing journey, and more. Plus, does he fancy a chocolate digestive?We also sit down with Whitecaps assistant coach Michael D'Agostino about his playing and coaching journey, four years with the first team, the dynamics under new head coach Jesper Sorensen, what it's like to coach Thomas Müller, his favourite jam, and more!Music-wise, Hazel O'Connor starts her residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Salad, and a song about Mansfield Town in Wavelength.Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:01.26: Intro - Costa Rica soccer tales20.00: Whitecaps News of the Week - Ahmed, White, striker needs44.10: The lie of the land in MLS West53.10: Miami Melee - Leagues Cup final ends in disgrace77.22: Sebastian Schonlau interview and discussion107.10: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Sebastian Schonlau113.45: Michael D'Agostino interview144.37: Michael D'Agostino's Favourite Jam150.55: The Müller and Son Effect in the growth of MLS162.30: Wavelength - Apocalypse Babys - Yellows

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled the USMNT roster for the September friendlies, and the State of the Union crew is here to break it all down. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse deliver instant reactions to the 22 players named so far, with one more spot set to be added soon. This USMNT squad will take on Korea Republic and Japan in their upcoming matches.The guys discuss the big headlines, including the returns of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Sergiño Dest, as well as the notable absences of Weston McKennie, Matt Turner, Gio Reyna, and Johnny Cardoso. They speak on new call-ups earning big opportunities with the national team, how injuries have shaped Pochettino’s decisions, and what this roster means for the team’s form heading into a crucial stretch before the World Cup.Plus, Alexi and Mosse recap MLS action from the weekend, including Son Heung-min's first goal for LAFC and Thomas Müller’s controversial game winner. Intro (0:00)Pochettino Names USMNT September Roster (1:55)Matt Freese Takes Hold of Starting Sport, Turner OUT (2:37)Sergiño Dest is BACK (4:17)MLS Heavy Roster (7:00)Weston McKennie Snubbed (7:42)Pulisic & Sargent Make Their Return (12:45)“I am disappointed” (18:21)Son & Müller Come Up Big in MLS Action (19:29)Leagues Cup Semifinals are Set (22:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices